Hillsboro, OR Animal Ordinances: Exotic Pets (2026)
Key Facts
- Species list
- Set by state/federal wildlife agencies
- Breeding
- Prohibited
- Selling products
- Prohibited from residence
- Slaughter
- Prohibited on residential property
Summary
Hillsboro defers exotic-pet eligibility to state and federal wildlife agencies but bans breeding, slaughter, and sale of animal products at home.
Exotic animals are allowed on residential property provided the federal, state and local standards, laws and regulations applicable to the particular species are met by the keeper. The applicability of exotic animal standards is determined by the authorized government agencies.B.Exotic animals may not be bred;C.Products generated by exotic animals, such as eggs, hides or meat, may not be sold from a residential property;D.Exotic animals may not be slaughtered on residential property;E.Exotic animals must be contained consistent with the following standards:1.The enclosure must be sufficient in size for the animals to feed and exercise;2.All portions of an enclosure must be kept and maintained in a clean and sanitary condition at all times to prevent any condition which may be dangerous or detrimental to the health of the public or animals or constitute a nuisance. All portions of an enclosure must be kept and maintained in a clean and sanitary condition at all times to prevent any condition which may be dangerous or detrimental to the health of the public or animals or constitute a nuisance; and3.The enclosure must provide the animals with the ability to feed, exercise and protect themselves from the elements as well as from other animals and be constructed in conformity with the City's land use regulations and applicable building code.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Municipal Code: Supplement 1 | Community Development Code: Supplement 1).
Full Breakdown
HMC 6.20.090 doesn't publish its own list of banned exotic species: it allows exotic animals on residential property only if the keeper meets whatever federal, state and local standards apply to that species, with eligibility determined by the authorized government wildlife agencies (not the City). Locally, Hillsboro bans breeding exotic animals, selling eggs, hides or meat from them, and slaughtering them on residential property, and requires a sanitary enclosure sized for the animal to feed and exercise.
Violations & Fines
Keeping a species without the required state/federal permit, breeding exotic animals, selling their products, or slaughtering them at home violates HMC 6.20.090 and is enforceable as an animal nuisance under HMC 6.28.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Hillsboro have its own banned exotic animal list?
Can I breed exotic animals I legally own in Hillsboro?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Hillsboro
Compare Hillsboro to another location·View the Oregon animal ordinances overview
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Exotic Pets in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Washington County handle exotic pets.